Cynthia N. Ockels, kind, generous soul
Cynthia (Nott) Ockels, 100, of Milton, passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Cynthia was born in Torrington, Conn., daughter of the late Ivins and Mildred (Berry) Nott.
She grew up in rural Harwinton, Conn., in modest times. She was a dedicated student at a two-room schoolhouse, was active in her church, and spent many productive years with her 4-H Club. Cynthia worked as a secretary at Torrington Manufacturing Co. She learned the values of resilience, resourcefulness, and hard work from an early age – all qualities that remained with her during a long and meaningful life.
In 1947, she traveled to Seaford with relatives, where she met her late husband, Rueben. After a couple of visits and many letters, they were soon married. They lived next to Rueben’s family dairy farm in Seaford until 1966, when they moved to Milton along with their four sons. What started as a 150-acre farm has now become what it is today. For over 50 years, she balanced her roles as bookkeeper and secretary at the family business, Ockels Farms, while also preparing countless lunches, stepping in to drive a truck or tractor, and maintaining a farming household.
Cynthia enjoyed cross-stitch, sewing clothes, and crocheting, often creating gifts for her family. She played the accordion and liked square dancing. She loved spending time with friends and family, playing pinochle and Oh Shaw, sharing meals, and traveling. Cynthia kept in touch with loved ones by writing many cards and letters, and making many phone calls. Grandkids spent countless hours at Grandma’s house, and everyone loved Grandma’s cookie jar! There was always a baked good on hand.
Cynthia was a member for over 60 years with Broad Creek Grange in Laurel, a longtime member of the Farm Bureau, and a charter member of Milton Century Club. She volunteered at the school library. She and her dear friends made stuffed bears to donate to local hospitals and charities. She was an active member of Goshen United Methodist Church in Milton and a former member of Mount Zion United Methodist church in Laurel.
Above all, Cynthia will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. She had a unique gift for making everyone feel welcome and deeply loved from the moment they met her. Steadfast and selfless, she embraced her role as a farmer’s wife, always placing the needs of others before her own. Her warm hugs and her sincere words of love were a true reflection of her heart. Her spirit lives on in her family and the many lives she touched with her grace and compassion.
In addition to her parents, Cynthia is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Rueben Ockels; a great-granddaughter, Grace Stevenson; a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Ockels; a brother, Harvey Nott; and a sister, Myrtle (Nott) Daley.
She leaves behind four sons and daughters-in-law, Dale Ockels and Carol, Gary Ockels and Sheri, Dennis Ockels and Lori, and Richard Ockels and Cindy; 13 grandchildren, Mary Ockels, Heather Burkentine (Erich), Cherie Schwartz (John), Andy Ockels (Chrissy), Tonia Younus (Keith), Keith Breiner (Liz), Amy Harrison (Eric), Pam Michaelis (Mike), Justin Rider (Emily), Nathan Rider (Natalie), Emma Rider, Mikayla Ockels, and Ben Ockels; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
A memorial service to celebrate Cynthia’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 22, at Goshen United Methodist Church, 103 Mulberry St., Milton. A time of visitation for family and friends begins at 10:30 a.m. Interment was held privately at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Milton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Cynthia’s memory to Seasons Hospice Foundation, 220 Continental Dr., Ste. 407, Newark DE 19713, accentcare.com; or Goshen United Methodist Church, Milton.
Arrangements are in care of Short Funeral Services, Milton.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.
